Schizophrenia

A close friend of mine has been suffering from severe psychotic episodes, she is getting medical help but as a friend I feel im failing her. I don't know how to help her, i know she needs me to be there for her but i just don't know what to say or do. I feel out of my depth and don't want to say things that might make her feel worse. Can anyone offer me any advice?

Hi,

I admire your dedication to your friend and wanting to help her through this hard time she's experiencing.

Sometimes, all it takes is sitting in the same room with someone who has SZ, for an hour or two, just talking or not even talking and only sitting there, will comfort her more than you will ever know.

It is possible to recover from SZ and lead a successful life, and that is often possible when good friends like you stand by your friends and don't abandon them in their time of need.

Keeping up the friendship will help your friend recover. If it gets too much to be around her if she's experiencing symptoms, give your self a time limit, say see her every day for a half hour instead of twice a week for five hours at a time.

Your friend will remember your love, even if she's in the throes of a psychotic episode.

Best regards,
Christina